Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (13:41): Macquarie Fields High School students Luke Cox and Riona Jaison are future civic leaders in the making.

I commend them for their achievement at yesterday's State final of the UN Youth public speaking competition held in the Jubilee Room.

To make it to the State finals is a real feat and they were up against other talented young students from all over New South Wales.

Our State is certainly in good hands when young, talented students abound.

Luke, who is in year 9, is a debating champion and is articulate and well read.

His speech in the senior category about foreign interference and how to prevent it from influencing our democracy — which is certainly a contemporary topic — was well researched and delivered with confidence and maturity.

Riona Jaison spoke in the final for the junior category and presented her arguments strongly and clearly.

I am delighted to say that Riona did so well that she has made it to the national finals next year.

I congratulate Riona on her tremendous effort and on making everyone proud.

Luke and Riona are great ambassadors for our school and local community.

They are exemplary students and I look forward to their future success.